Wander around the manicured gardens of Jingshan Park and take in the scenes of fruit trees and flowers. Admire Buddha statues and pavilions, and watch locals perform tai chi, sing or play musical instruments. Don’t miss the chance to climb one of the few hills in Beijing: This vantage point offers some of the best photo opportunities in the city.
Jingshan Park is centred on an artificial hill, which was built with the soil from the Forbidden City’s moat. The hill is 150 feet (46 metres) high and is also called Prospect Hill or Coal Hill.
Climb the steps to the top of the hill to take in views of the sea of curved roofs in the Forbidden City. Looking northwards, see how the distant Drum Tower is aligned with the entrance of the Forbidden City and the Pavilion of the Everlasting Spring on the hill you stand on. Slightly to the east, in Beihai Park, the White Dagoba rises from the lake. The halls on the slopes of the hill house Buddha statues.
To the east at the base of the hill is a memorial stone commemorating the last of the Ming rulers, Chongzhen Emperor, who is said to have ended his life here.
During the weekend, locals come to the park to play, dance, sing and exercise. You may even see a show of kuaiban, a type of theatrical storytelling. From late April through mid May, mass displays of blooming peonies surround you. There are more than 200 varieties of this pretty flower in the park.
Jingshan Park lies directly north of the Forbidden City, next to Beihai Park. All these major landmarks can be explored together in one day if you are short on time. If you would rather take your time, bring a picnic and bask in the serenity of this peaceful park.
Jingshan Park is a public attraction, so it’s open daily, but there is a small entrance fee. Several main bus routes service the area, including one circling the Forbidden City.
Jingshan Park
Visit Jingshan Park
Tours & day trips
See all 339 activitiesOpens in new tabGreat Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch
Adventure & outdoor
See all 36 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate trip to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace by English Driver
Shows & concerts
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabBeijing: Red Theatre Acrobatic Show Tickets
Classes & workshops
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabChinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci
Shopping & fashion
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabLama Temple, Hutong and Silk & Pearl Market Private Day Tour
Reviews of Jingshan Park
3/5 - Okay
very busy due to chrysanthemum season (mid/late-April)
Popular places to visit
Beihai Park
Created more than a thousand years ago as an imperial garden, this huge green space wrapped around a lake is an oasis in Beijing’s bustling city center.
Palace of Gathered Elegance
You can browse the exhibits at Palace of Gathered Elegance, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Beijing. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.
Palace of Earthly Tranquillity
You can find out about the history of Beijing with a visit to Palace of Earthly Tranquillity. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.
Palace of Heavenly Purity
Find out about the history of Beijing when you take a trip to Palace of Heavenly Purity. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.
The Round City
Explore the great outdoors at The Round City, a lovely green space in Beijing. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and temples in this culturally rich area.
Dagaoxuan Temple
Find out about the history of Beijing when you take a trip to Dagaoxuan Temple. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this culturally rich area.